We believe it is appropriate now that we have the levels of the dams getting over 50% to have a discussion around the relaxation of restrictions

— Ian Nielsen, Deputy Executive Mayor of Cape Town

We believe we should not wait to until we get to 80% before there is some relaxation

— Ian Nielsen, Deputy Executive Mayor of Cape Town

Nielsen says currently the minister's 45% reduction in consumption is still in place and therefore the city cannot relax restrictions until such time the minister increases the releases from the dams.

If the City gets its way and move to level 5 restrictions, this means the level 5 tariffs will kick in, says Nielson.

Each level of restrictions comes with its own tariffs. The tariffs have been determined on the basis of achieving the same income based on the amount of water that we would sell under the condition of those levels

— Ian Nielsen, Deputy Executive Mayor of Cape Town

Nielson says the City is continuing with the construction of the desalination plants, two of which have been producing water for the City already (Strandfontein and V&A Waterfront).

He believes by the end of this year all desalination plants will be producing water for the City.